Flood water spreads fast — every hour counts
Flooding is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a home, and in the Ann Arbor area it comes from every direction: spring snowmelt and heavy storms pushing the Huron River over its banks, overwhelmed storm sewers backing up into low-lying streets, and failed sump pumps or burst supply lines inside the home. Whatever the source, standing water keeps soaking deeper into flooring, drywall, insulation, and framing for as long as it sits.
That's why flood cleanup is a race against time. Within hours, water wicks up walls and saturates subfloors; within a day or two, mold can take hold. The faster water is extracted and drying begins, the more of your home and belongings can be saved — and the smaller the final repair bill.
Flooding right now? Don't wait for it to "drain on its own." Call [PHONE] — our crew answers 24/7 and can be on the way fast.
What professional flood cleanup involves
Real flood cleanup is far more than mopping up. When we arrive, we work through a proven sequence built to protect your health and your property:
- Safety and source check — we make the area safe, stop the water source where possible, and identify how far moisture has traveled.
- Water extraction — truck-mounted and portable pumps remove standing water quickly, even from carpet and hard-to-reach spaces.
- Muck-out and removal — soaked carpet padding, ruined drywall, and unsalvageable materials come out so drying can reach the structure.
- Structural drying — commercial air movers and dehumidifiers pull moisture from floors, walls, and cavities.
- Cleaning and sanitizing — affected surfaces are cleaned and disinfected, especially if the water was contaminated.
- Monitoring — we track moisture daily until readings return to normal, then confirm the space is truly dry.
Clean water isn't the same as flood water
Not all flood water is equal. Restoration pros sort water into three categories, and it changes how a job is handled. Category 1 is clean water from a supply line. Category 2 ("gray water") carries some contamination — think washing-machine overflow. Category 3 ("black water") is grossly contaminated, including river flooding and any sewage backup, and it's a genuine health hazard. Outdoor flooding is usually treated as Category 3, which means porous materials that soaked it up often can't be saved and everything must be properly disinfected. For safety before you go back inside, the CDC's guidance on reentering a flooded home covers electrical hazards, protective gear, and contamination.
The step homeowners skip: drying it right
Many DIY flood cleanups fail at the same point — the water you can see gets removed, but the moisture soaked into subfloors, wall cavities, and framing is left to "air dry." Weeks later, that trapped moisture shows up as cupped hardwood, peeling paint, musty odors, and mold behind the walls. We use moisture meters to find hidden damp spots and run drying equipment until the structure measures dry — not until it merely looks dry. It's the difference between a flood you recover from and one that keeps causing problems.
Flood cleanup and your insurance
Insurance is often the most stressful part of a flood. We make it easier by photographing the loss before and during the work, logging daily moisture readings, and itemizing what we do so your adjuster has clear evidence. Whether your coverage comes from a homeowners policy or a separate flood policy, thorough documentation supports a smoother claim. Learn more on our insurance and claims page.
Flooding around Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County
Local geography shapes local flooding. Homes near the Huron River and its tributaries see the most storm- and snowmelt-driven flooding, while Ann Arbor's many older homes have basements prone to seepage during heavy rain. If you're outside the city, we also handle flood cleanup across Washtenaw County — from Ypsilanti to Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, and Pittsfield Township. Wherever you are, one local call gets a real crew moving.